Causes of Allergy: Types , Treatments and Prevention

Causes of Allergy: Types , Treatments and Prevention

The Major Causes of Allergy that many are unaware of. In addition, Allergy are hypersensitive immune responses to substances that enter or come into contact with the body, such as pet dander, pollen or bee venom. A substance that causes an allergic reaction is called an “allergen.” Allergens can be found in food, beverages or the environment. Most allergens are harmless, meaning most people are not affected by them. If you are allergic to a substance, such as pollen, your immune system reacts to it as if it were a pathogen (a foreign harmful substance) and try to destroy it.

Allergies are very common. Public health authorities estimate that about 20% of people suffer from some degree of hay fever (allergic rhinitis, allergy to pollen). The number of people all over the world with Allergy is increasing. According to Allergy UK, about 30-40% of people have Allergy at some stage of their lives.

Some years ago, this increase was only apparent in industrialized countries. However, middle income nations are reporting higher rates of allergy in their populations. The most pronounced increase in allergy was observed in children, particularly food allergy.

causes of allergy

A team of researchers at the Northwestern Feinberg University School of Medicine reported in Pediatrics that about 8% of Brazilian children have some type of food allergy. 38.7% of people with food allergies have a history of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions) and 30.4% are allergic to more than one food. So, check it out now:

The Top 5 Causes of Allergy:

Causes and Types of Allergy:

Researchers do not know exactly why the immune system causes an allergic reaction when a normally harmless foreign substance enters the body. Allergy has a genetic component, which means that they can be transmitted from father to son.

However, only a general susceptibility to allergic reaction is genetic. Specific allergies are not transmitted. For example, if your mother is allergic to shellfish, this does not necessarily mean that you will either. Common types of allergens include:

Allergy to animal products: pet dander, mite wasting, cockroaches

Drug allergy: penicillin, sulphonamides

Food allergy: wheat, nuts, milk, shellfish, eggs

Allergy to insect bites: bees, wasps, mosquitoes

Allergy to mold: spores in mold air

Plant allergy: herb pollen, weeds and trees, as well as plant resin such as poison ivy and poison oak

Allergy to others: latex, metals

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are some of the most common allergies. These are caused by the pollen released by the plants. The main causes of Allergy:

Itchy eyes

Teary eyed

Coryza

Cough

When to See a Doctor:

Allergy symptoms can create many complications. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your symptoms as well as the difference between a sensitivity and a total allergy. Your doctor can also teach you how to manage your Allergy symptoms.

For Food Allergies:

Food allergy can trigger bloating, hives, nausea, fatigue and more. It may take a while for a person to realize that they have a food allergy. If you have a serious reaction after a meal and you are not sure, please see a medical professional immediately. They can find the exact cause of your reaction or refer you to a specialist.

For Seasonal Allergies:

The symptoms of hay fever can mimic those of a cold. They include congestion, runny nose and swollen eyes. Most of the time, you can manage these symptoms at home using non-prescription treatments. Consult your doctor if your symptoms become uncontrollable.

For Severe Allergies:

Severe allergies can cause anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening emergency that can lead to breathing difficulties, dizziness and loss of consciousness. If you are suffering from these symptoms after contacting a potential allergen, seek medical help immediately.

How Allergy Is Diagnosed:

Allergy can be diagnosed in several ways. First, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They will also ask about something unusual you have recently eaten and any substances that you have come in contact with. For example, if you have a rash on your hands, your doctor may ask if you have put on latex gloves recently.

allergy causes

Elimination Process:

Food allergies are usually diagnosed through a process of elimination. Your doctor may make you follow an elimination diet. This means that you remove certain foods from your diet and then evaluate your symptoms. Then, slowly add food back to the diet and record your symptoms in a food diary.

Skin Test: Your doctor may also refer you to an allergist for testing and treatment. A skin test is a common type of allergy test performed by an allergist. During this test, your skin is stung or scratched with small needles containing potential allergens. The reaction of your skin is documented. If you are allergic to a specific substance, your skin will turn red and swollen.

Blood Test: Your doctor or allergist may also order a blood test called a radioallergosorbent test (RAST). Your blood will be tested for the presence of antibodies that cause Allergy (cells that respond to allergens).

Allergy Treatments:

The best way to avoid allergy is to avoid what triggers the reaction. If this is not possible, treatment options are available. Allergy treatment usually includes medications such as antihistamines to control symptoms. The medication can be over-the-counter or prescription depending on the severity of your allergy. Allergy medicines include:

Antihistamines

Corticosteroids

Sodium cromolynin

Decongestants

Leukotriene Modifiers

Immunotherapy:

Many people choose immunotherapy. This involves several injections over the course of a few years to help the body get accustomed to its Allergy. Successful immunotherapy can prevent Allergy symptoms from returning.

Emergency Epinephrine:

If you have a serious, life-threatening allergy, you should take an emergency epinephrine shot. The shot disputes allergic reactions until medical help arrives. Common brands of this treatment include EpiPen and Twinject.

Alternatives:

There are many natural treatments and supplements marketed to treat Allergy, but you should discuss this with your doctor before trying. Some natural treatments may contain other allergens.

Allergy Prevention:

There’s No Way To Avoid Allergy. But there are ways to prevent symptoms from occurring. The best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergens that trigger them. Prevention is the most effective way to prevent food allergy symptoms. An elimination diet can help you determine the cause of your allergy so you know how to avoid them. To help you avoid food allergens, thoroughly read food labels and ask questions during meals.

Seasonal, contact and other allergy prevention comes down to knowing where the allergens are located and how to avoid them. If you are allergic to dust, for example, you can help reduce symptoms by installing adequate air filters in your home, making your air ducts professionally clean, and empty your home regularly. Suitable allergy tests can help you identify your exact triggers, which makes them easier to avoid.

Living With Allergy:

Allergies are common and do not have fatal consequences for most people. People who are at risk for anaphylaxis can learn how to manage their allergy and what to do in an emergency. Most allergies are manageable with avoidance, medications and lifestyle changes. Working with your doctor or allergist can help reduce major complications and make life more enjoyable.